There comes a time in a growing dancer's life when the opportunity to audition for something looms, large and terrifying, in the distance. For most of us, our first audition will be the chance to join an upper-level track of classes at a weekend event. Having been through about a dozen of these myself, here's what I can share with you:
The audition process is unpleasant for everyone involved. The event organizers have to devise a method that will take relatively little time and almost no explanation, yet still accurately sort dancers into the appropriate level. The judges have to do their best to recognize, in a matter of several minutes, what the average skill level of the dancers is, and who is above-average, all the while knowing that no matter what they decide, someone will be upset about it. And the participants, of course, are desperately trying to prove themselves in a stressful environment which, in a particularly nasty turn of fate, is usually early in the morning after a late night of dance. And, after all those people put so much effort into auditions, the process doesn't really
work. I know this, because I've never made it into an audition-only track that DIDN'T have a few people who weren't ready to be there, and I've also never been in an open track that didn't have someone who got overlooked at an audition.
BUT, despite the shortcomings of the system, auditions are necessary to achieve even a semblance of fairness when sorting dancers into skill-levels. I've been to a handful of events where dancers were instructed to self-assess and join the track that suited their skill. Without fail, these events have the highest occurence of mis-ranked class attendees. So, event organizers keep trying to design an audition that works, and dancers keep trying to make the best of it.
And SPEAKING of making the best of it (you didn't think I was going to just complain about auditions and leave it at that, did you?), here is what I have learned about auditioning SUCCESSFULLY:
1. Dance your booty off the night before. Auditions almost always take place on Saturday morning, after a Friday night dance. Turn Friday night into your secret pre-audition audition. Dance with the judges, if you can. Dance with partners you know, and scout for promising new ones. Get your groove on, and have as much fun as you possibly can! Not only will this guarantee you an enjoyable evening, but it's likely to get you noticed by the judges.
2. Never underestimate the power of bright colors and shiny objects. I'm talking about what you wear to an audition. In order to make the cut, you need to be SEEN by he judges. Don't drag your tired butt to auditions in sweats and a t-shirt. Put on something eye-catching and flattering. The judges' eyes will be drawn to you, and as a special bonus, you'll feel more confident looking good!
3. Never OVERestimate the power of flashy moves and tricks. Auditions are like a Jack & Jill competition; the judges are looking for good social dancing, not stunts. Doing your fanciest footwork variations, your most complicated 14-count move that you learned from a YouTube video, or (heaven forbid) aerials during an audition will not help your cause. At the very BEST, the judges will notice and think something like "Ok, you got any technique to go with that attitude?" and at worst, they'll write you off as too inexperienced for an advanced track. Stick to your comfort zone and showcase your strong fundamentals.
4. Shamelessly take advantage of the process, when you can. Auditions are hard enough without you putting additional limitations on yourself. If you're allowed to choose your partner, fight to get someone you know you dance well with. If you know the song that's playing, hit the breaks and make it look goooooood. Don't short-change yourself by being humble or timid.
5. Use your partner. Even with a large skill discrepancy, your partner can make you look good. If he or she is a novice, focus on keeping solid, dependable rhythm in your body and a smile on your face. Judges love to see a dancer have fun with a beginner, instead of dancing circles around them trying to prove the partner is the problem. Of course, if your partner is a pro, relax and enjoy the ride! Trust his or her judgement to make the dance look great, and don't drag it down trying to add too much to the flavor.
I hope you've enjoyed this unusually long editor's note. I'll leave you with this: The instructors at a weekend event have valuable knowledge to share with you, regardless of what class track you end up in. Failing an audition is a hard blow to the ego and a painful reality check, but even in the most beginner levels, you'll get the same expert instruction that they're getting at a masters' level. It may seem like poor consolation, but it's really quite inspiring.
Got thoughts?
Email me.
Chelsea Rothschild
